When you think about winter, ideally you think of a comfortable evening at home. But sometimes winter doesn't want to go along with our plans, and we end up shivering in our own homes. You might not be able to prevent a blizzard from rolling through, but you can prevent your furnace and other HVAC equipment from being poorly equipped for winter. Nobody wants or deserves a faulty furnace, which is why we prepared this checklist for getting your HVAC system ready for winter.
Five Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for a Winter Blast
1. Wrap up Your Outdoor Unit and Clear the Space Near It
Since most HVAC systems have an outdoor condenser unit to discharge heat, you'll want to ensure that the area close to the unit itself is free of any yard debris. Clear 5 feet of space or so from any leaves or objects. It's also smart to ensure it's covered up by a bit of tarp or similar material through the winter. This keeps ice and other problems from getting inside the condenser.
2. Wash or Replace the Air Filter
Always inspect and clean out your air filter, normally located in your furnace's indoor air handler. Dust, pollen, animal dander and many other contaminants can gradually collect in the air filter. If it goes unchecked, your furnace might lose efficiency and potentially even become a fire hazard. A clear air filter allows air to flow more freely, sustaining sufficient ventilation and helping keep indoor air quality higher. To enjoy the most benefit from the filter, make sure to clean or change it every two or three months or according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Clean the Blower
The blower is essential to your Lennox furnace, and as an integral component it can attract a lot of wear and tear. Cleaning it now and then will help keep it in great shape. Vacuum the area next to the blower and brush the blades with a microfiber cloth for optimum airflow. If you hear any strange noises or can't get any circulation from the vents, get a professional technician to examine your blower.
4. Look for Gaps or Dents in Your Furnace
Make sure that your furnace has no visible damage on the inside or outside units. A hole in the air handler or flaws in the condenser unit outside can worsen all sorts of comfort problems, including heat leaking out before it reaches your ductwork. If there is noticeable damage, speak with your local technician at Miller Climate Control LLC about examining the system before the temperatures start dropping. This way you can avoid letting a slight gap in the system grow into a major problem.
5. Test Your Heating Before It Gets Too Cold
It's always smart to make sure your furnace is working properly before the middle of winter. Otherwise, your heating may be unprepared for the first true drop in temperatures. Performing a test run of your heating can provide the chance to detect potential problems then and there, while they're still easier to fix. This also burns away any dust that may have accumulated in the air ducts during the fall, getting rid of that burnt smell. When your furnace is in working condition, you can sled away from your HVAC worries.
A Well-Prepared Furnace Is a Great Way to Welcome Winter
Winter weather will be on its way before you know it. If you make an effort to get your furnace ready beforehand, you can spend the winter enjoying the holidays, having hot cocoa or relaxing with your family inside a warm, cozy home. Don't forget to follow the tips above to get your home ready for next winter!
